📞 Trump and Xi Jinping Hold Major Phone Call on Trade Talks
🗓 Date: June 5–6, 2025
🇺🇸 🏯 Category: US–China Relations | Trade | Politics
🔸 Key Highlights
- The **90-minute phone call** between President Donald Trump and President Xi Jinping focused almost entirely on **trade issues**, particularly rare-earth mineral exports and tariff concerns 1.
- Trump described the conversation as **“very good”** and claimed they reached a **positive conclusion**, agreeing to resume high-level trade talks 2.
- Both leaders exchanged invitations for **state visits**, marking a thaw in communication after months of tension 3.
⚙️ Context & Trade Truce
On May 12 in Geneva, the US and China agreed to a **90‑day truce**, reducing US tariffs from 145% to 30% and China’s from 125% to 10%. The dialogue aims to stabilize markets, with the S&P 500 gaining back significant losses during the pause 4.
The phone call was prompted by concerns over **rare‑earth mineral exports**, vital to U.S. tech and defense industries. Trump said the issue was "straightened out," though the Chinese version of events urged the US to roll back “negative measures” 5.
💬 Official Statements
“I just concluded a very good phone call with President Xi… discussing some of the intricacies of our recently made… Trade Deal.” — Trump on Truth Social 6
“Dialogue and cooperation is the only right choice… We should make good use of existing economic & trade consultation mechanisms.” — Xi Jinping, via Chinese foreign ministry 7
🤝 Next Steps and Challenges
- A **US delegation**—led by Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, and Trade Rep. Jamieson Greer—will travel soon to meet with China’s Vice Premier He Lifeng in London 8.
- Issues still unresolved include restrictions on **rare-earth minerals**, **Taiwan-related pressure**, and ongoing **export controls on tech/AI** 9.
- Analysts warn: despite the warmer tone, **substantive breakthroughs** remain uncertain—deep differences on tech and trade persist 10.
📊 Summary at a Glance
| Topic | Details |
|---|---|
| Call Duration | ~90 minutes |
| Main Focus | Trade, rare-earth mineral exports |
| Outcome | Positive tone; resumption of talks |
| Next Meetings | US delegation to China-led London discussions |
| State Visit Invite | Mutual invitations extended |
| Outstanding Issues | Tariffs, export controls, Taiwan |
📰 This marks the first direct leader-to-leader communication since Trump’s inauguration, offering hope for a reset—but challenges and deep-seated disagreements remain. Stay tuned for updates from London discussions and any follow-up visits.
Source: Compiled from Reuters, Time, WSJ, and other high-impact outlets